GET OUR HOT BUYS & COOL FINDS STRAIGHT TO YOUR MAILBOX

Maternity wear by Vanessa Knox

I have a theory when it comes to maternity wear, which is that second or third time around, mums-to-be do it better. With a first pregnancy, you might read about the impending changes to your body, but somehow you don’t quite believe the extent of them, not until you find you can’t get by with that baggy top any more. By that time, the pregnancy is so far advanced that you feel silly spending a lot of money for something you’re only going to wear for two months, so it’s off to the high street for a few bits and bobs.

I know, because that was me, and boy did I spend the last few months of maternity feeling unstylish. Next time, I’d like to think I’d invest in a few key pieces: it’s worth the money, if you can afford it, to feel fabulous – and don’t forget there’s always eBay to recoup the cash.

For starters, how beautiful is this Amandine silk maternity top from Vanessa Knox (above)? If you have a wedding or evening do to go to in the latter stages of your pregnancy, this would be an excellent choice. Knox was one of the co-founders of Isabella Oliver, that purveyor of useful stretchy and interestingly architectural pieces for women both pregnant and otherwise.

Knox now has a small capsule maternity range. When it comes to the stretch tops and dresses, I’d say you can get the same look for much cheaper on the high street. There’s one other piece that stands out for me as much as the Amandine top, though, and that’s the maternity shorts (centre, below). Shorts! How cool would those look with tights, boots.. and a bump! I am almost tempted to get pregnant again.